Kick-off party a success!

Thank you to everyone who came to our first-ever “Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Kick-off Party” on January 14th. We were pretty over-whelmed by the turnout but tremendously pleased at the enthusiasm, patience and sign-ups! We had more sign-ups last night than a lot of other marathons total! I know we are going to have a GREAT event in 2019 and in case you were not able to hear the announcements or were not able to attend, here is what we announced:

Increased marketing presence and introduction of “Ambassador” program-It is our intent to not only market ourselves better for the “world-class” event we offer but we wish to do so in an interactive way. This year we are going to let you in on all the information that you need but also ask YOU to submit your stories, thoughts and opinions on how we can all make “our” event the best it can. We are looking for all kinds of MLFM runners (1st marathon to 100th, elite to hoping to officially finish and unique, inspirational reasons for why you are running. If you are willing to share your stories, feelings and progress we invite you to fill out an application HERE and learn all about the perks and how we can benefit all.

Marathon 101 is FREE-No, we cannot run for you but we CAN offer some helpful tips, seminars and get discussions going. Pete Abraham has finished many Milwaukee Lakefront Marathons and will be providing a run schedule, introduce speakers and moderate a Facebook page especially geared to beginners who may want to get a little advice. Just click on the option when you register for 2019 race!

One-on-One Coaching will be back this year-Coach Erin Smith is increasing the number of participants in her one-on-one program this year. For only $150 (less than half of other similar offerings) she will consult with you, design a plan that can/should work for you and then monitor your progress with you. Fifteen (first-come) runners can have a mentor to take them through their specific training for LFM. Available when you register

VIP Program perks announced-Only $50 gets: light snacks/drinks at start, reserved portables at start, entry into the Cudahy Classic 10 miler, $10 off registration for the Strider Half (both of these races fit perfectly into the Strider Build-up program), special color runner bib, LFM knit cap, mini-massage at the finish and 10% coupon off a merchandise purchase.

Increased prize money for 2019- That’s right, we’re raising the bar. Prize money for top 3 overall male and females will now be $1500, $1000 and $500 respectively. We’re also increasing our Master overall Male and Female to $250. These prizes are in addition to the $5000 BONUS that will be handed out to the first Male and/or Female that crosses the finish line with a U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials time (2:19:00 men and 2:45 female). Last years winners just missed it but we are very confident that we are giving away $10,000 extra this year!

Runner photos will be FREE-You asked, we listened! Downloads will be available within an hour or two and can be shared with friends/famly….for FREE. We will have a great group of photographers taking shots all along the course so smile the whole way!

AND OUR BIG ANNOUNCEMENT- We are moving our finish line to Summerfest! Why?

No grass to get muddy/wet in case of rain

Indoor bathrooms,

Picturesque backdrops (you are only feet away from Lake Michigan)

More space for runners to cross through the chute and spectators to view

Food trucks for a variety of items for spectators and athletes if they want (but yes, we will continue providing a great post-race meal to athletes!

…and we are going to have a band playing on a HUGE covered stage so even if the weather is not cooperating we can enjoy a post-party the way they were intended

How’s this for finish line?

(well, minus the construction fencing, brown grass and lack of leaves on the trees…but you get the idea?)